A Thousand Times Goodnight

A Thousand Times Good Night is one of those movies that you choose to watch not because of the storyline, but because of the stellar cast that has agreed to be a part of it. Namely, Juliette Binoche and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau. They play Rebecca and Marcus, a couple caught at the crossroads of their marriage and discerning, constantly discerning, where each should go.

Rebecca is a war photographer who travels to some of the most dangerous places in the world to capture images unparalleled. That is, until she’s almost killed on her latest assignment. From the moment Marcus addresses her in the hospital, this strain in their relationship is clear. There’s little affection as they speak to one another and there’s much routine that follows. It’s as though he’s been here before – and he probably has. Constantly plagued by the worry that this time she won’t return home, he battles between his love for his wife and the passion she feels for her profession, and protecting himself and their two daughters from the worry and sorrow that comes with Rebecca’s career choice.

There’s no contesting the talent of these actors, so why do you not feel for them the way you should? Is it the characters? Is it the stilted relationship? Is it the linear storyline? Absolutely. There is little to redeem Rebecca to the audience. She’s so ingrained in her work that she barely shows compassion for the people in her life, while Marcus is such a two-dimensional character, the only thing keeping your attention is the fact he’s that hot guy from Game Of Thrones.

If nothing else, the imagery is spectacular. Throughout the film, we witness Rebecca capturing two moments: one as a woman prepares for her death via suicide bombing, the other as an African camp is raided. The cinematographic side is nothing compared to the captured images that ring full of emotion and beauty. It’s a shame the characters couldn’t feel the same way.

2.5/5 stars

A Thousand Times Good Night opens in cinemas on Thursday November 27.